CBS’ Don Hewitt: fab conversationalist and dynamite news maestro

Don Hewitt was always a joy to chat with whenever he’d come to California to talk to TV critics such as yours truly.

The “60 Minutes” creator/producer — in the above Emmy photo grinning at his TV family — always had his finger on the pulse of what was both important and hot to Americans and several minutes with him was worth more than a whole day of Internet searches.

I also had the privilege, in 2001, of reviewing his captivating book, “Tell Me a Story,” which dished on everyone from Dan Rather to Frank Sinatra to a U.S. president or two.

However, it wasn’t Hewitt, the silver-haired charmer, or Hewitt, the compelling author, whom I thought about when learning today the CBS pioneer had passed away. It was the amazing TV legacy he left behind that flooded my brain.

Most impressive to me — and judging by the ratings, to much of the viewing populace — was his major role in the greatness that is “60 Minutes.” Hewitt not only was the architect of that granddad of news magazines, but made sure it remained relevant and vibrant in ensuing decades.

Whether it was probing some horrible injustice, reporting on the day’s political situation or presenting an intriguing profile — such as the one on S.A.’s own David Robinson — “60 Mintues” remained appointment viewing on Sunday evening.

He also made sure the show broke ground — whether it was getting presidential candidate Bill Clinton to address reports of his infidelity, airing a historic piece on The Rolling Stones or being the first news magazine to recognize the ever-growing Hispanic population by installing Spanish closed-captions.

So, Morley Safer, Steve Kroft, Lesley Stahl, Scott Pelley and the rest of the current gang, you better keep on your toes. The wise, old boss could still be watching.